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Description

THE BUILD AND DESIGN THAT STARTED THE ERA, PERIOD-CORRECT RESTO, STRONG NAILHEAD

Arguably the most attractive design of the early 1960s, the 1963 Buick Riviera transformed the automotive landscape forever. Instantly recognizable yet restrained, it's an iconic machine that is finally getting its due from collectors. Sorry guys, the days of getting a good one for ten grand are long gone, so you're better off spending a little extra for a good one.

This one wears Arctic White, which does nothing to diminish the Riv's awesome good looks. In fact the beautifully-applied paint hugs straight bodywork that's in great condition and is just as dramatic today as it was fifty years ago. Fit and finish are good all around, with doors that show even gaps and a big, pointed hood that latches without being slammed. The soft shine of the paint is entirely appropriate to the period and the finish is only three years old, so it'll look this good for years to come with minimal maintenance. The '63s offer four round headlights with parking lights in the outboard pods that eventually housed hidden headlights, and for many, the purity of the design works quite well either way. Nice chrome bumpers are probably original, and while they show a few signs of age, re-chroming them would be a mistake. And nothing looks better than GM Soft-Ray tinted glass on a luxury cruiser from the '60s.

If the exterior is gorgeous, the interior is simply stunning. The pinnacle of 1960s styling, the all-new "Custom" interior is called Champagne and offers correct cloth inserts in the seats that were supplied SMS Auto Fabrics who really know their stuff. Real woof veneer is found on the console and door panels, while the center console is a work of industrial art that would be at home in a period architect's studio. Two-tone steering wheel, gorgeous gauges that look like high-end clock faces, and a shifter that's like sculpture all create one of the most spectacular interiors of the decade. The power window motors were replaced, and even the power vent windows with their original motors work properly. Other options include factory A/C, a power antenna, an AM/FM radio, six-way power driver's seat, and a tilt steering column. The headliner is original and is nice enough to work with the otherwise freshly restored interior, and even the trunk was correctly freshened with a correct mat, full-sized spare, jack and new cardboard side pieces.

Buick's 401 cubic inch "Nailhead" V8 was a formidable performer in the mid-sized Riviera, and with massive torque behind it, this elegant coupe was probably able to surprise some fairly hot cars back in the day. The engine bay was recently detailed and looks great, with a big, red air cleaner needing only a decal installed (included with the car) and a silver engine underneath. It's pretty tightly packed in the Riviera's engine bay, but the new stuff includes a rebuilt carburetor, generator, new battery, rebuilt water pump, new timing chain and cover, a new wiper motor, and a recent tune-up, so it's ready to enjoy. The Turbine-Drive automatic transmission delivers a seamless flow of torque and with highway-friendly gears, you'll be astounded by how effortlessly this Riv gathers momentum. The underside features rebuilt brakes, a new exhaust system with correct transverse muffler, and attractive wire wheels with whitewall radials.

Still beautiful, still a joy to drive, and still appreciating, now is the time to indulge your long-held desire for an early Riviera. Call today!